ICC World Cup 2023: Trent Boults Hints At Continuing As Freelance Cricketer; Says ‘I’m A Dad First’

Trent Boult has made a comeback to New Zealand team for the forthcoming tour in England. The left-arm pacer is part of the New Zealand ODI squad for the England vs New Zealand series. After his comeback, Trent Boult has hinted that he will continue as a freelance cricketer in future too.

Trent Boult last played for New Zealand in ICC T20 World Cup 2022 last year. Later, the Kiwi bowler did not sign a central contract with New Zealand Cricket Board so as to be available for franchise T20 leagues around the world.

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In 2023, Trent Boult was part of Indian Premier League (IPL 2023), International League T20 (ILT 2023), and Major League Cricket (MLC 2023). Recently, he finished as the top wicket-taker in MLC 2023 with 23 scalps for his team MI New York, which also won the title.

I Am A Dad First: Trent Boult

Trent Boult has now returned to the New Zealand team for the forthcoming ODI and T20I series in England. The series commences on August 30. Boult has joined the training camp at Bay Oval Stadium.

While speaking to reporters, the 34-year-old was asked whether he will continue as a freelance cricketer or sign a central contract with New Zealand team in future. To this, the Kiwi stalwart hinted that he will continue as a freelance cricketer.

“I don’t know, I’m a dad first and a lower-order all-rounder second”, Boult replied. 

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I Am Hungry To Represent The Country: Trent Boult

Speaking about his comeback, Trent Boult said it was nice to be back and involved in the national side. He also added that he is hungry to represent the country against England.

“Nice to be back involved and just excited, really. It wasn’t an easy decision to make just over a year ago to move away from the New Zealand cricket bubble, in a way.

I never wanted it to be about New Zealand or franchise cricket, I just respected the fact that my career’s so long and just tried to make the most out of my remaining years as a bowler.

I’m definitely as hungry as ever to represent the country and hopefully do something special with the guys over the next couple of months,” Boult added.

Also Read: New Zealand T20I Squads For England And UAE Series Announced

Trent Boult was not part of New Zealand’s bilateral series this year. He is absent from many bilateral series but is brought back against prominent series like the upcoming one against England. However, the 34-year-old is always part of New Zealand in ICC events. Boult is also expected to be part of ICC World Cup 2023 in October-November.